“Hopefully they feel really good of what we gave them, because we’re a lot less fortunate than we are,” Liburd told CBC News.

“There’s ‘good mornings’ and laughter all around, and it’s such a nice feeling,” said Kumudhini Tahavaraj, who filled boxes with pasta and jars of sauce.

Mayor John Tory said the drive is a great example of the city’s holiday spirit.

“This is just at the essence of what is great about Toronto,” he said.

“Yes, government has a role to play in addressing poverty but the real way in which we’re going to lift people up is by citizens and companies and labour unions stepping up and saying, ‘We want to help.’ And that’s exactly what’s happening today,” Tory told CBC.

Toronto Argonoauts legend Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons packed a few boxes as well but deferred all praise to the volunteers.

“I started driving here, sort of at 6:30 this morning, they’ve been doing this for months.”

Clemons said “when we talk about the holidays, we’re reminded that in community, our responsibility is to share. Sometimes we forget that and the holiday season brings us back.”

Vince Gasparro, who co-founded Project Engagement with Coun. Michael Thompson 12 years ago, said each food hamper will feed a family for a month. Along with the usual staples, each family will receive a turkey, a ham and fresh produce.